By Sarina Trangle
A re-blossoming is afoot at Mary Whalen.
The city Parks Department released plans to revamp the Forest Park playground near Forest Park Drive and Park Lane South in Woodhaven with $1.18 million, most of which was discretionary funding earmarked by City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Glendale).
The project calls for reconstructing the pre-school and pre-teen play areas as well as the spray shower. Greenery would be planted to separate equipment for 5- to 12-year-olds, a swing area for kindergarten-age children and a teen area.
A Parks slideshow depicts large boulders resting along the edge of geyser-style water fountains.
The revamp will also make the park accessible to the physically disabled and greener. The slide show notes vegetation is expected to increase by 150 percent, with the tree canopy growing 200 percent.
Crowley has directed $1 million in city funding to the project over the past two fiscal years, according to her spokesman, Javier Lacayo.
Lacayo said the councilwoman and neighbors have longed to see the playground spruced up since it was last renovated in about 1991.
“It’s a project that has been a long time coming in the community,” he said.
The playground commemorates Mary Whalen, who served as vice chairwoman of Community Board 9, founded the Greater Woodhaven Development Corp. and participated in several local organizations, according to the Parks Department.
Crowley and Parks solicited feedback on the plans at a meeting last week, but Lacayo said they hope to put the project out to bid by July.
The Parks Department said it anticipates construction starting next spring and for the work to last about a year.
The city does not plan to install a bathroom at the playground.
Reach reporter Sarina Trangle at 718-260-4546 or by e-mail at strangle@cnglocal.com.
